A world-class skatepark is the result of an entire community coming together with a shared vision. At Grindline, we recognize that meaningful collaboration is essential to creating a space that serves both skaters and the broader public. We strive to engage all stakeholders throughout the development process and inspire them to work together toward a common goal. We empower skate advocates and community groups by equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Through an open exchange of ideas, we integrate key considerations such as aesthetics, safety, crime prevention, and programming into a cohesive and functional skatepark design. Our role is to balance the community’s “needs” and “wants” to deliver a space that is both visionary and practical.
Senior Project Manager James Klinedinst leads an initial community planning meeting.
COMMUNTY-DRIVEN SKATEPARK DEVELOPMENT
Our design philosophy is rooted in the understanding that every community and project site is unique, requiring a tailored approach. To achieve this, we follow four core principles:
- Open Collaboration – Engaging the client and community through inclusive public outreach and involvement.
- Timeless Design – Creating spaces that are welcoming and functional for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
- Integration & Context – Ensuring the skatepark complements its surroundings and enhances the local environment.
- Efficient Engineering & Sustainability – Delivering high-quality, durable, and cost-effective designs that maximize resources while minimizing environmental impact.
Kickoff Meeting & Community Forum
Following an initial meeting with project stakeholders, an initial community forum provides an opportunity for Grindline representatives to introduce the project, outline the design and construction process using audiovisual presentation tools, and most importantly, gather input from attendees. Their feedback serves as the foundation for the initial design concept.
Online Engagement & Surveys
To ensure that all voices are heard, input is also collected through online surveys. This allows those who are unable to attend the in-person meetings to contribute their ideas and priorities for the park.
Preliminary Concept Presentation
Once initial feedback is gathered, Grindline develops a preliminary concept that reflects the community’s aspirations. This concept is then presented at a second public meeting, where attendees can review the design, ask questions, and provide additional input.
Refinement & Finalization
Based on community feedback, revisions are made to the design as needed to align with local preferences, budget considerations, and site constraints. Our goal is to ensure that the final plan represents a space that skaters and the broader community can take pride in—one that meets both functional and aesthetic needs.
By prioritizing community involvement throughout the planning process, Grindline delivers skateparks that are not only world-class in design and construction but also deeply rooted in local identity and purpose.